Der Purloined Brief von Edgar Allan Poe

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A Synopsis of “The Purloined Letter” by Edgar Allan Poe

The story begins in the home office of private investigator C. Auguste Dupin, while he and his friend, an unnamed narrator, entertain the Prefect of the Paris Police, Monsieur G. The Prefect has come to Dupin again in need of help. Monsieur G has a case which he cannot solve, involving a purloined (stolen) letter. Without hesitation, Dupin is able to tell the Prefect exactly where the letter is, solely based on the description of the case.

According to the Prefect, a young lady (it is implied she is royalty) was in possession of a letter which contained damaging information. As she read it in her suite, an “exalted personage” from whom she wished to hide the letter, and a certain “Minister D”, entered the room. While the letter almost went unnoticed, Minister D saw it and discerned that it contained damning information. The minister switched the letter with a similar one of no consequence, and has since been blackmailing her.

At the direction of this powerful lady, Monsieur G has repeatedly searched every inch of the Minister’s house and office, with no results. Without hesitation Dupin tells the Prefect that the letter is indeed still in the minister's apartment. With a large reward at stake for its return, the Prefect leaves Dupin to go search again. After a month the Prefect returns to Dupin’s and says he cannot find the letter. At which point Dupin produces the letter and explains how he retrieved it.

Knowing the minister, Dupin placed himself in the minister's shoes. He knew that he would keep it close to him and that he was intelligent to know where the police would look for it. Therefore, he hid it in plain sight, slightly disguised as a letter of his own. Dupin then went to speak with the minister, purposely leaving behind his tobacco box, so that he could return. When he did, he had arranged a commotion outside the minister’s window at the same time, so that he could swipe the letter and replace it with another, much like the minister did.

Essential Questions for “The Purloined Letter”

1. What are ways that an author can build suspense?
2. What are the qualities that make a good detective?
3. How does Poe's use of setting, symbolism, personification, and simile impact the story overall?

Don’t Let the Fun Stop There! Check Out Our Other Lesson Plan Ideas

1. By using a storyboard that just depicts the rising action, have students demonstrate how Poe built suspense.
2. Add a presentation to any storyboard project.

Häufig Gestellte Fragen zum Entwendeten Brief von Edgar Allan Poe

Wer sind die Hauptfiguren in „The Purloined Letter“?

In „Der entwendete Brief“ gibt es drei Hauptprotagonisten: C. Auguste Dupin, der Ermittler, Minister D., der Bösewicht, der den Brief gestohlen hat, und die junge Dame (Königshaus), die Autorin des Briefes. Dupin hilft dem Präfekten als Privatdetektiv dabei, den gestohlenen Brief zu finden, mit dem die Königin erpresst werden sollte.

Welche Rolle spielt der Brief in der Erzählung?

Der Brief ist wichtig, da er Informationen enthält, die für den Empfänger schädlich sein könnten. Obwohl die Erzählung ihren Inhalt nicht preisgibt, steht sie für Autorität, Geheimhaltung und die Fähigkeit, den Rezipienten zu manipulieren. Die gesamte Erzählung dreht sich darum, den Brief aufgrund der darin genannten wichtigen Inhalte zu finden.

Welche zentralen Ideen sind integraler Bestandteil der Geschichte?

Die Erzählung berührt eine Reihe zentraler Ideen, wie den Wert von Intelligenz, die Idee verborgener Wahrheiten und die Nutzung von Informationen zum eigenen Vorteil. Die Erzählung untersucht auch die Vorstellung, dass das Aussehen täuscht und erpresst.